County fairs promise old-fashioned good times

@X BTO Byline attribution italic:aboerema@dailyherald.com

County fair time is right around the corner. Organizers still are finalizing plans, but there’s something nostalgic and comforting about knowing exactly what you can expect at the county fair. So bring on the tilt-a-whirls, cotton candy and pig races!

Kane County Fair

When: July 20-24

Where: Kane County Fairgrounds, St. Charles

Info: www.kanecountyfair.com

One of Fox Valley’s biggest events returns July 20 through 24 with talent shows, children’s acts, racing pigs, a magic show, petting zoo and more.

A new variation on horse racing will be unveiled, one that organizers promise to be “exciting and brand new to us,” says Larry Breon, president of the Kane County Fair Association.

Crowds can also look forward to bull riding in the grandstand, a demolition derby, a rodeo and commercial exhibits in the air-conditioned Prairie Events Center, as well as plenty of music on the Miller Lite stage.

Organizers have beefed up the musical lineup, booking 12 bands with various musical styles. “It’s very varied, so if something’s on that you don’t enjoy when you walk in, come back in a couple hours, and it’ll be something different,” Breon said.

Overall organizers want families to enjoy themselves outdoors without having to spend too much money, he said. “We’re trying to do something economical for today’s family and not make it cost an arm and a leg,” he said.

Admission is $8; children 5 and younger are free.

DuPage County Fair

When: July 27-31

Where: DuPage County Fairgrounds, Wheaton

Info: www.dupagecountyfair.org

The DuPage County Fair is back with a bang from July 27 to 31. New this year is a wine and beer garden, and highlights include performances by the Back Country Roads band, Red Woody and bluegrass artist Ashley Lewis among others.

Fans also can expect a monster truck show and international demolition derby; other returning favorites include duck races, game shows, magic shows, clowns and pig races.

Admission is $8 for adults, $3 for children 3 to 12.

Lake County Fair

When: July 26-31

Where: Lake County Fairgrounds, Grayslake

Info: www.lcfair.com

There are plenty of oldies but goodies at the 83rd annual Lake County Fair, July 26 to 31.

This year’s theme is “Putting a New Spin on an Old Tradition,” and the fair continues to celebrate the county’s deep agricultural roots with livestock shows, carnival rides and games, food, bingo competitions, pro motocross, a truck and tractor pull, a rodeo and a demolition derby. Entertainment includes Beatles tribute group American English among other acts.

The fair also focuses on showcasing kids’ talents by giving them a way to compete in various livestock and other projects, organizers say.

“A great thing about the county fair is there’s such a tradition,” said Sheri Vyfvinkel, business manager for the Lake County Fair Association. “It’s a sense of America that’s sometimes forgotten. It’s alive in Lake County.”

Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for seniors and children 5 to 12.

McHenry County Fair

When: Aug. 3-7

Where: McHenry County Fairgrounds, Woodstock

Info: www.mchenrycountyfair.com

The McHenry County Fair will be a blast from the past and run from Aug. 3 to 7, providing families a chance to learn about their county’s agricultural and farming roots through activities including tractor pulls and children’s 4-H exhibits.

There also will be carnival rides, fair food, a demolition derby, a pageant queen contest and the popular salute to the veterans, in which the names of all fallen McHenry County vets from World War I to the present are read aloud. The entertainment pavilion will feature up-and-coming and popular bands, including artist Karen Hart.

New highlights this year include a writing contest, a Mother/Daughter look-a-like contest, an antique tractor pull following the Salute to the Veterans and a community showcase tent with local performers. Vegetable and flower bed competitions will be held among the 4-H clubs and judged by fair attendees. An expanded wine tasting contest and a larger exhibit area in the Ag Energy building also are in the works.

Check the website as the fair gets closer for prices, times and promotions.